HAYS, KANSAS - Northwestern Oklahoma State opened their 2023 season on the road against Fort Hays State in Hays, Kansas. Rangers dropped the opening match 2-1 final score after Fort Hays State jumped out to an early 2-0 lead before Isabella Mcmillan put the Rangers on the board.

Rangers drop to 0-1 to start the season as Fort Hays starts 1-0.

The Tigers started fast after missing on their opening shot attempt, Hannah Mares was able to capitalize on a rebound opportunity striking first in the match taking a 1-0 lead in the opening three minutes of the game. Fort Hays struck on their third shot attempt as Montserrat Diaz put her first shot attempt of the evening in the back of the net for a 2-0 lead at the 9:30 mark of the match.

Northwestern found their first scoring opportunity at the 20 minute mark when Sydne Edmiston had the first shot for Northwestern followed by Carlie Massingale. Mcmillan had the first shot on goal which was saved by goalkeeper Isabel Robben. This set up a corner kick for the Rangers before Mcmillan struck finding the back of net for the first Rangers goal set up by Lily Anderson earning the assist in the 24th minute.

The score remained 2-1 into the half in favor of the Tigers.

Fort Hays attempted to extend their lead with an opportunity in the 51st minute after a shot off goal before back to back shots on net saved each by goalkeeper Maggie Koster on the bottom center.

Reese Welch had the one Ranger shot in the second half. Northwestern was out shot in the match 14-5 overall and 7-2 on the net. Maggie Koster finished with five saves. Mcmillan had both Ranger shots on goal.

Northwestern will return to action on Saturday evening at 7PM against Newman University before the home opener on Monday afternoon at Noon.